KL fair illustrates life and love of art

TO bring the craft of illustrators to a wider public, Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair (KLIF) 2025 turned a mall into a multi-level, interactive art community.

The four-day event displayed over 10,000 artworks by 180 artists from Malaysia and the region, and took over three floors of GMBB Mall in Bukit Bintang.

For Petaling Jaya illustrator Eugene Foo, 43, the event presented opportunities to reach out to a large number of visitors.

At his “Saya Seekor Dinosaur” booth, he told StarMetro that his artwork was not aimed solely at children but was meant to resonate across generations.

The main animated characters he created are Kenit and Hua Hua, two dinosaurs cared for by nine schoolchildren.

In its third year, KLIF transformed the mall into a vibrant three‑floor showcase of local and regional talent.— YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

“As these children grow, they lose the ability to converse with the dinosaurs in my world of ‘Saya Seekor Dinosaur’.

“Children adore the illustrations whereas adults appreciate the messages and backstories which they can relate to,” said Foo.

According to event co-organiser Creators Project Associates, the third edition of KLIF attracted the public as well as commercial and advertising agencies.

Its co‑founder Jang Chau Chie said, “Brands usually collaborate with foreign artists and illustrators.

“This event shone a light on local talent and built bridges to prospective collaborators.”

He said that this year, illustrators were provided with small booths as well as shoplots.

“We also have artists from Taiwan, Japan, China and other countries in South-East Asia,” he said, adding that the artists were in their 20s to 50s.

Jang said 18,000 visitors explored the artists’ booths and art galleries over the four days.

At Taipei Corner, Hello Studio creative director Chen Yi Hsin said meeting local fans in person was exciting because this was her first time in Malaysia.

“Being here and seeing my fans allowed me to observe their habits and choices.

“Our fox character, Huichi, has truly made an impression on Malaysian audiences.

“We also have virtual reality at our booth to let our visitors experience life as it is in the book of Huichi.

“This includes scenery that I have illustrated,” she added.

Nur Khairunnisha Fatini Mohd Khairuddin, 25, said this was her first visit to the fair.

“I had wanted to explore how illustrators in Malaysia expand their business and what inspires them to create these artworks.

“The artists are very inspirational because they create art with just pen and paper.

“The fair had a good vibe and I was amazed with the artists’ talents,” she said, adding that she would visit KLIF again for new experiences and to see upcoming art.